Novak Djokovic was delighted to hear that he was being compared to the great Formula 1 star Lewis Hamilton. Former world number one Jim Courier drew the comparison when the Serb Ricardas Berankis demolished in the third round of the French Open on Saturday.
The number one in the world stormed into the quarter-finals for the 12th season in a row. It breaks Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s record of 11 consecutive last 16 appearances between 2005 and 2015.
Courier compared Djokovic’s dominance over Berankis with the all-conquering Mercedes F1 team, which won driver and constructor titles seven times in a row in Formula 1. They were on a different level than any other team on the grid for the past seven years.
“It’s like the dominance of Lewis Hamilton and the Mercedes team. Berankis is a great driver and maximizes everything under the hood. But Novak Djokovic drives a completely different racing car,” Courier said, as quoted by Yahoo News.
Djokovic admitted after the game that he felt honored to be compared to the seven-time F1 champion but was embarrassed to talk about his driving skills compared to the British. He also praised Hamilton’s off-track work with the Mercedes driver, a very vocal supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement.
“Well, I’m honored to be compared to Lewis. I respect Lewis and everything he does in his career, but also off the pitch with his activism. Something that really inspires me and a lot of athletes,” said Djokovic.
“I don’t want to talk about my driving next to Lewis’ name. Honestly, it’s embarrassing to talk about my driving, and in the same sentence with Hamilton. I’ve never raced. But the analogy and comparison of my game with an F1 Car is definitely something I like. “
The 18-time Grand Slam winner in the men’s singles is one of the favorites for the Roland Garros trophy. Djokovic will next meet ATP NextGen ace Lorenzo Musetti, who is very much appreciated on the men’s tour.
“I know very well that he is a big challenge for me. So there is no question that I have to play at a high level because he won’t have much to lose. I’m sure he will come out and really try. ” Playing tennis of his life on one of the two great courts. “
Audience salute: Novak Djokovic celebrates after beating Uruguay’s Pablo Cuevas in the second round
Martin BUREAU / AFP
